Near Tulelake in Siskiyou County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

War in the Lava Beds

November 1872 - June 1873

Photographed By Syd Whittle, April 10, 2008

1. War in the Lava Beds Marker

Inscription. From this command post, the U.S. Army directed part of a frustrating campaign against a small band of Modoc Indians. Determined to defend their homeland, the Modoc consistently outmaneuvered the Army, who at times outnumbered them ten to one. Just over six months of battles and surprise attacks, interspersed with long periods of waiting, resulted in a final Modoc defeat. Significant Modoc War sites are located and interpreted throughout the park. See inset map.

For seven weeks in the spring of 1873, Gillems Camp (located here) served as temporary quarters for up to 600 troops. Many enlisted men were new immigrants with little training. Isolated, poor food and medical supplies, and the constant threat of attack in an unfamiliar landscape made life here difficult.

Erected by National Park Service. (Marker Number 13.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Military • Native Americans • Wars, US Indian. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1873.

Location. 41° 49.445′ N, 121° 33.373′ W. Marker is near Tulelake, California, in Siskiyou County. Marker can be reached from Volcanic Legacy Scenic

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Byway, on the right when traveling south. The marker is located within the boundaries of Lava Beds National Monument at Gillems Camp. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Tulelake CA 96134, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Modoc War Casualties (within shouting distance of this marker); Attracted to Water (within shouting distance of this marker); Canby Cross (approx. ¾ mile away); Last Meeting of the Peace Commission (approx. 0.8 miles away); Civilian Conservation Corps (approx. 2.2 miles away); The Road to the Stronghold (approx. 2.9 miles away); Lava Fortress (approx. 2.9 miles away); Shore of Tule Lake (approx. 2.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Tulelake.

Regarding War in the Lava Beds. This is California Historic Landmark No. 13 — Guillem's Graveyard.

Also see . . . War in the Lava Beds - Gillems Camp. Gillem’s Camp is an important site associated with the Modoc War of 1872 and 1873, although it was only in use for about seven weeks. (Submitted on March 7, 2013.)

Photographed By Syd Whittle, April 10, 2008

2. War in the Lava Beds Marker

Gillem's Graveyard is seen in the background.

Ruins of a Rock Wall at Gillems Camp image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Syd Whittle, April 10, 2008

3. Ruins of a Rock Wall at Gillems Camp

Troops at Gillems Camp image. Click for full size.

Photographed By National Park Service, circa 1873

4. Troops at Gillems Camp

Military Re-Inactors at Gillems Camp image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Syd Whittle, April 10, 2008

5. Military Re-Inactors at Gillems Camp

Photographed By Syd Whittle, April 10, 2008

6. Military Re-Inactors at Gillems Camp

Credits. This page was last revised on August 9, 2020. It was originally submitted on March 7, 2013. This page has been viewed 712 times since then and 33 times this year. Last updated on August 7, 2020, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on March 7, 2013, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.